A new type of high-field superconducting magnet from Oxford Instruments has enabled scientists at the University of Nottingham, UK, to balance the force of gravity, and levitate heavy and dense materials.

In the December 2003 issue of Materials World ('Ascend and attract' pps. 12-14), Neil Killoram discusses the patented MCV cryofree magnet, and shows how it could have valuable, practical applications in areas such as mineral separation.